APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PORTABLE TERMINAL HAVING DUAL SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULE CARD

Abstract

 A apparatus for operating a portable terminal having a dual Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is provided. The apparatus includes a first subscriber identity module (SIM) corresponding to a first phone number, a second SIM corresponding to a second phone number and a controller configured to perform a first call directed to the first phone number and receive a second call directed to the second phone number before the performing of the first call ends, the second call to be forwarded to the first phone number.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention:

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a portable terminal. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a portable terminal having a dual Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The present application is a divisional of the European application 13155607.8 which claims priority of the Korean application KRA20120016940.

2. Description of the Related Art:

[0002] With the development of information communication techniques, functions of portable terminals have gradually been developed to satisfy various user demands. For example, a dual Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) phone has been developed so that a single portable terminal can use two phone numbers. A dual SIM phone has an advantage in that two network services can be simultaneously used by a single phone, and the portable terminals can be used with different phone numbers respectively for a personal usage and a business usage.

[0003] However, a conventional dual SIM phone has a problem in that, while a call is made to a phone number assigned to one SIM card, a user cannot make a call to a phone number assigned to the other SIM card. That is, while the user is making a call to a phone number assigned to one of two SIM cards, even if a call is requested to the phone number assigned to the other SIM card, there is no way to confirm the call request, which leads to a problem of missing the call.

[0004] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Aspects of the present invention are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus comprising a first subscriber identity module (SIM) corresponding to a first phone number, a second SIM corresponding to a second phone number and a controller configured to perform a first call directed to the first phone number and receive a second call directed to the second phone number before the performing of the first call ends, the second call to be forwarded to the first phone number.

[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a portable terminal is provided. The method includes performing, at an electronic device including a first subscriber identity module (SIM) and a second SIM, a first call directed to a first phone number corresponding to the first SIM and receiving, at the electronic device, a second call directed to a second phone number corresponding to the second SIM before the performing of the first call ends, the second call to be forwarded to the first phone number.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for improving user convenience by providing a user-based call waiting function and call forwarding function adjusted to a dual Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) phone environment.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for avoiding missing a call in an infinite loop situation due to an incorrect setting of a call forward function when a user sets the call forwarding function.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for avoiding missing a call by providing a call waiting function and a call forwarding function between mutual SIMs in a case where a dual SIM active function is set even if a SIM card placed in a dual SIM terminal is replaced with another card.

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a portable terminal is provided. The method includes displaying a message regarding whether to set a dual SIM active function, selecting an area included in the message and confirming a setting of the dual SIM active function upon the selection of the area included in the message.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dual SIM active function includes at least one of a call waiting function and a call forwarding function provided by the portable terminal capable of having two SIM cards.

[0012] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a portable terminal apparatus is provided. The portable apparatus includes an output unit for displaying a message regarding whether to set a dual SIM active function, an input unit for selecting an area included in the message and a controller for confirming a setting of the dual SIM active function upon the selection of the area included in the message.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least two SIM cards inserted in the portable terminal apparatus are cards registered to a dual SIM active service in which the dual SIM active function can be set.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the controller confirms that two SIM cards are inserted in the portable terminal apparatus, and reads subscriber information included in the two SIM cards inserted in the portable terminal apparatus.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the subscriber information includes phone numbers respectively assigned to the two SIM cards inserted in the portable terminal apparatus.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the output unit displays another message regarding whether to set a call waiting function and a call forwarding function for each of the SIM cards inserted in the portable terminal apparatus.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, The portable apparatus further includes a storage unit for saving the set dual SIM active function.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if at least one of the two SIM cards inserted in the portable terminal apparatus is replaced with at least one different SIM card, the controller determines whether the dual SIM active function is set between a remaining at least one of the two SIM cards and the at least one different SIM card.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that the dual SIM active function is set between the remaining at least one of the two SIM cards and the at least one different card, the controller reads a previously saved dual SIM active function.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the controller determines that the dual SIM active function is not set between the remaining at least one of the two SIM cards and the at least one different SIM card, the output units displays the message regarding whether to set the dual SIM active function, a user selects the area included in the message through the input unit, the controller confirms that the at least one of the two SIM cards and the at least one different SIM card are inserted in the portable terminal apparatus, reads subscriber information included in the at least one of the two SIM cards and the at least one different SIM card, and confirms the setting of the dual SIM active function, and the apparatus further comprises a storage unit for saving the set dual SIM active function.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dual SIM active function includes a call waiting function for holding a call to a SIM card while a phone number assigned to that SIM card of the two SIM cards inserted in the portable terminal apparatus is busy.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dual SIM active function includes an incoming call forwarding function for forwarding a call incoming to a phone number assigned to any one of two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal apparatus so that the call is made to a phone number assigned to the other SIM card when a the user of the portable terminal apparatus is out of a service area.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the incoming call forwarding function includes a function of displaying an error message when a user manually selects both an "always" setting for the incoming call forwarding function and manually selects a "during call" setting for the incoming call forwarding function for both said SIM cards, said "always" setting for any one of said SIM cards comprising forwarding the incoming call to said other SIM card if the other SIM card is busy, and said "during call" setting comprising forwarding an incoming call from any one of said SIM cards to the other SIM card if said any one of said SIM cards is busy itself.

[0024] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate an example of encouraging a user to use a dual Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) active function in a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGs. 2A to 2C illustrate an example of setting a call forwarding function when a dual SIM active function is not automatically set according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGs. 3A to 3D illustrate an example of setting a call waiting function when a dual SIM active function is not automatically set according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a dual SIM active function of a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a dynamic call diverting function when a SIM card is replaced according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGs. 6A to 6C illustrate an example of an avoiding infinite loop function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope is defined by the annexed claims and their technical equivalents. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0028] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Features of different embodiments and aspects may be combined unless when they are technically incompatible.

[0029] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0030] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate an example of encouraging a user to use a dual Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) active function in a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. First, a dual SIM phone implies a portable terminal that can have two SIM cards in one portable terminal. More specifically, one SIM card stores subscriber information including a phone number assigned to the card. That is, since one phone number is assigned to each SIM card, the dual SIM phone can have two SIM cards and the two phone numbers can be used by one phone.

[0031] For example, two network services can be simultaneously used by placing two SIM cards registered to different vendors in one portable terminal. In addition, a personal phone and a business phone can be separately used by placing two SIM cards registered as a personal phone number and a business phone number in one portable terminal.

[0032] Herein, the dual SIM active function is a function provided by the portable terminal capable of having two SIM cards. The dual SIM active function is defined as a function including at least one of a call waiting function, an incoming call forwarding function which forwards an incoming call associated with a phone number of one SIM card to a phone number of an other SIM card stored in a dual SIM phone in case a predetermined condition is met, a dynamic call diverting function, and an avoiding infinite loop function. More specifically, the call waiting function is a function of holding an incoming call to a SIM card when a phone number assigned to that one of the two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal is busy.

[0033] The call forwarding function is a function of forwarding a call incoming to any one of the two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal to a phone number assigned to the other SIM card to make the call possible in one or more predetermined situations. Such situations may include, for instance: when a call is transmitted to a first one of the two SIM cards during the time the phone number assigned to the other SIM card is busy, the user can temporarily stop the call to the phone number assigned to the other SIM card and can continue the call to the first one by using the phone number assigned to the other SIM. However, another option is where a SIM card is out of a service area. The dynamic call diverting function is a function of always maintaining a dual SIM active state regardless of which SIM is inserted in the dual SIM phone. The avoiding infinite loop function is defined as a function of preventing a dual SIM phone from missing a call due to an infinite loop. More specifically, the avoiding infinite loop function displays an error message when a user manually selects both an "always" setting for the incoming call forwarding function and manually selects a "during call" setting for the incoming call forwarding function for both said SIM cards, said "always" setting for any one of said SIM cards comprising forwarding the incoming call to said other SIM card if the other SIM card is busy, and said "during call" setting comprising forwarding an incoming call from any one of said SIM cards to the other SIM card if said any one of said SIM cards is busy itself.

[0034] FIG. 1A illustrates an example of displaying a message for setting a dual SIM active function in a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the portable terminal first displays whether to set the dual SIM active function in a display unit of the portable terminal. FIG 1A (as well as other FIGs) schematically shows an embodiment where the terminal has a touch screen allowing the user to select one or more functions as displayed by the terminal to the user with e.g. a finger or a stylus. However, all kinds of other user interfaces can be used instead, including those with one or more physical keys, some of which possibly arranged in a (QWERTY) key board setup.

[0035] Whenever the user inputs a command for setting the dual SIM active function, the portable terminal can automatically set the call waiting function and the call forwarding function, which, for instance, forwards an incoming call associated with a phone number of one SIM card to a phone number of an other SIM card stored in a dual SIM phone when the other SIM card is busy and/or when the one SIM card is out of a service area, thereby improving user convenience. That is, when the user inputs the setting of the dual SIM active function, the portable terminal can automatically set the call waiting function and the call forwarding function.

[0036] More specifically, when the user inputs the setting of the dual SIM active function, the portable terminal can automatically read subscriber information included in the two SIM cards currently placed in the portable terminal, and can set the call waiting function and the call forwarding function.

[0037] FIG. 1B illustrates an example of displaying a setting of a dual SIM active function according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, it is first assumed that a portable terminal can have a dual SIM card, and a phone number '1234' is assigned to one SIM card (i.e., SIM 1) between the two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal and a phone number '6789' is assigned to the other SIM card (i.e., SIM 2). Under such an assumption, for example, in order to encourage a user to easily set the dual SIM active function, the portable terminal displays a message on a display unit of the portable terminal as illustrated in FIG. 1A.

[0038] Thereafter, when the user receives a command for setting the dual SIM active function, the portable terminal displays details related to the dual SIM active function which is set as illustrated in FIG. 1B. More specifically, in the SIM 1 to which the phone number '1234' is assigned, the call waiting function is set, and the call forwarding function is also set so that a call incoming to the phone number '1234' assigned to the SIM 1 is forwarded to the phone number '6789' assigned to the SIM 2. I.e., when a call is transmitted to phone number '1234' during the time the phone number '6789' is busy, the new call is forwarded to phone number '6789' such that the user can temporarily stop the pending call to the phone number '6789' and can continue the call to the phone number '1234'. In addition, in the SIM 2 to which the phone number '6789' is assigned, the call waiting function is set, and the call forwarding function is also set so that a call incoming to the phone number of '6789' assigned to the SIM 2 is forwarded to the phone number '1234' assigned to the SIM 1. I.e., when a call is transmitted to phone number '6789' during the time the phone number '1234' is busy, the new call is forwarded to phone number '1234' such that the user can temporarily stop the pending call to the phone number '1234' and can continue the call to the phone number '6789'.

[0039] Herein, when the call forwarding function is automatically set, a corresponding SIM card may be automatically set to "Out of service area" among detailed items of the call forwarding function. Detailed descriptions of possible manual settings for the forwarding function will be described below with reference to FIGs. 6A-6C. As described above, the exemplary embodiment provides a user-based dual SIM active function so that the user can easily set the call waiting function and the call forwarding function, thereby improving user convenience.

[0040] FIGs. 2A to 2C illustrate an example of manually setting a call forwarding function when a dual SIM active function is not automatically set according to an exemplary embodiment. As described in detail with reference to FIGs. 1A and 1B, the portable terminal of an exemplary embodiment can automatically set the dual SIM active function according to a user's selection. However, when a problem occurs in a network, or when there is a problem in that the portable terminal cannot read user information stored in the SIM card, or when the user desires to manually input the call forwarding function, the user can set the call forwarding function according to the example of FIGs. 2A to 2C.

[0041] In one example of manually setting the call forwarding function by the user the user can select an area for managing a SIM card in a main screen of the portable terminal as illustrated in FIG. 2A, from a plurality of areas including Network, Card Registration, Dual SIM Active Function, Help, etc., which are all displayed. Thereafter, the user selects the dual SIM active function to set the call forwarding function. Although not illustrated in FIGs. 2A to 2C, when the user selects the dual SIM active function, detailed selection items of the call forwarding function and the call waiting function are displayed. Examples of such detailed selection items for the forwarding function are shown in FIGs 6A, 6B.

[0042] Thereafter, when the user selects items indicating the call forwarding function to set the call forwarding function, a detailed items list allowing the user to select a specific call forwarding function of the dual SIM active function is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 2B.

[0043] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of setting the call forwarding function. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the user can select an item 'All' capable of forwarding each call to two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal. Herein, the item 'All' of the dual SIM active function is a function including both a function of call forwarding from a SIM card 1 to a SIM card 2 (i.e., SIM 1 to SIM 2) and a function of call forwarding from the SIM card 2 to the SIM card 1 (i.e., SIM 2 to SIM 1). More specifically, in case of the function of call forwarding from the SIM 1 to the SIM 2, when a call is transmitted to a phone number assigned to the SIM 2 during a time when the phone number assigned to the SIM 1 is busy, the user can temporarily stop the call to the phone number assigned to the SIM 1 and can continue the call to the phone number assigned to the SIM 2 by using the phone number assigned to the SIM 1.

[0044] Likewise, in case of the function of call forwarding from the SIM 2 to the SIM 1, when a call is transmitted to the phone number assigned to the SIM 1 during the time the phone number assigned to the SIM 2 is busy, the user can temporarily stop the call to the phone number assigned to the SIM 2 and can continue the call to the phone number assigned to the SIM 1 by using the phone number assigned to the SIM 2. Therefore, optionally, the user can set only the function of call forwarding from the SIM 1 to the SIM 2, or can set only the function of call forwarding from the SIM 2 to the SIM 1. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, by selecting the item 'All', the user can select both, the function of call forwarding from the SIM 1 to the SIM 2 and the function of call forwarding from the SIM 2 to the SIM 1.

[0045] FIG. 2C illustrates an example of saving the user settings of aforementioned process in a terminal's memory. When the user selects an item 'Save' as illustrated in FIG. 2C, the call forwarding function is manually set between two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal. As described in detail with reference to FIGs. 1A and 1B, an aspect of an exemplary embodiment is automatically setting the call forwarding function between mutual SIM cards in the dual SIM phone.

[0046] However, as described above, when a problem occurs in a network, or when there is a problem in that the portable terminal cannot read user information stored in the SIM card, a function of manually setting the call forwarding function is required.

[0047] In the conventional method, in order to set the call forwarding function, the user selects any one of the two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal, and individually inputs a phone number assigned to a SIM card to which a call is forwarded from the selected SIM card. For example, assume that the call forwarding function is set from the SIM 1 (to which the phone number '1234' is assigned) to the SIM 2 (to which the phone number '5678' is assigned). First, the user selects an item for setting a SIM card in a main screen of the portable terminal, and selects an item of the call forwarding function when a detailed item of setting the SIM card is displayed on the portable terminal.

[0048] Thereafter, when the user reselects an item of the function of call forwarding from the SIM 1 to the SIM 2, items for inputting the phone number assigned to the SIM 1 and the phone number assigned to the SIM 2 are respectively displayed on the portable terminal. When the items for inputting the respective numbers are displayed, the function of call forwarding from the SIM 1 to the SIM 2 can be set only when the user individually inputs the phone number '1234' assigned to the SIM 1 and the phone number '5678' assigned to the SIM 2. As described above, in order to input the conventional call forwarding function, the user has to individually and manually input detailed items. Therefore, the conventional method has many inconveniences, for example, a problem in that user convenience is low, a user who is unfamiliar with the portable terminal undergoes trial and error many times even if the user purchases the portable terminal having the two SIM cards, or the like.

[0049] In addition, there are cases when a user who desires to use the portable terminal capable of having a dual SIM, purchases two or more SIM cards so as to replace one of the two SIM cards with another or third SIM card. In this case, when a new or third SIM card is replaced in the portable terminal, there is a problem in that the user has to individually and manually set the call forwarding function again in the new card. However, in order to set the dual SIM active function according to an exemplary embodiment, as described in detail with reference to FIGs. 1A and 1B, the user-based call forwarding function can be provided to improve user convenience.

[0050] FIGs. 3A to 3D illustrate an example of setting a call waiting function when a dual SIM active function is not automatically set according to an exemplary embodiment. As described in detail with reference to FIGs. 1A and 1B, the portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment can automatically set the dual SIM active function according to a user's selection. However, when a problem occurs in a network, or when there is a problem in that the portable terminal cannot read user information stored in the SIM card, or when the user desires to manually input the call forwarding function, the user can set the call waiting function according to the example illustrated in FIGs. 3A to 3D.

[0051] In one example of manually setting the call forwarding function by the user according to an exemplary embodiment, when the user selects an area for managing a SIM card in a main screen of the portable terminal, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, Network, Card Registration, Dual SIM Active Function, Help, etc., are displayed. Thereafter, the user selects the dual SIM active function to set the call waiting function. Although not illustrated in FIGs. 3A to 3D, when the user selects the dual SIM active function, the call forwarding function and the call waiting function are displayed as detailed selection items. Thereafter, when the user selects items indicating the call waiting function to set the call waiting function, a detailed item capable of selecting the call waiting function of the dual SIM active function is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 3A.

[0052] Thereafter, when the user selects an item for setting the call waiting function in the SIM 1 and selects an item for saving the call waiting function in the SIM 1 as illustrated in the example of FIG. 3B, the call waiting function is manually set in the SIM 1. Likewise, when the user selects the item for setting the call waiting function in the SIM 2 as illustrated in FIG. 3C and selects the item for saving the call waiting function in the SIM 2 as illustrated in the example of FIG. 3D, the call waiting function is manually set in the SIM 2. However, when a problem occurs in a network or when there is a problem in that the portable terminal cannot read user information stored in the SIM card, the call waiting function needs to be manually set.

[0053] In the conventional method, in order to set the call waiting function, the user selects any one of the two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal, and individually inputs a phone number assigned to a SIM card for which call waiting is required from the selected SIM card. For example, assume that the call waiting function is set in the SIM 1 (to which the phone number '1234' is assigned). First, the user selects an item for setting a SIM card in a main screen of the portable terminal, and selects an item of the call waiting function when a detailed item of setting the SIM card is displayed on the portable terminal.

[0054] Thereafter, when the user reselects an item for the call waiting function of the SIM 1, an item for inputting the phone number assigned to the SIM 1 is displayed on the portable terminal. When the item for inputting the phone number assigned to the SIM 1 is displayed on the portable terminal, the call waiting function of the SIM 1 can be set only when the user individually inputs the phone number '1234' assigned to the SIM 1. As described above, in order to input the phone number in the conventional call waiting function, the user has to individually and manually input detailed items.

[0055] Therefore, the conventional method has many inconveniences, for example, the method is inconvenient, a user who is unfamiliar with the portable terminal must perform many operations to program the portable terminal even if the user purchases the portable terminal having the two SIM cards, or the like. In addition, the process in the conventional method is more problematic in the case where a user who desires to use the portable terminal, purchases more SIM cards to replace the current SIM card with a new or third SIM card.

[0056] In this case, when a new SIM card is replaced in the portable terminal, there is a problem in that the user has to individually and manually set the call waiting function again in the new card. However, in order to set the dual SIM active function according to an exemplary embodiment, as described in detail with reference to FIGs. 1A and 1B, the user-based call waiting function can be provided to improve user convenience.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a dual SIM active function of a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in order to set the dual SIM active function, a dual SIM active service must be first registered to at least two SIM cards intended to be inserted into the portable terminal having the dual SIM active function in step 401. More specifically, the at least two SIM cards to be used by being inserted into the portable terminal must be registered for the dual SIM active service. That is, each card must be pre-registered so that a phone number, a call forwarding function, and a call waiting function can be set.

[0058] Upon inserting the registered SIM card into the portable terminal, the portable terminal displays a message regarding whether to set the dual SIM active function in step 402. More specifically, the portable terminal displays a message regarding whether to set the dual SIM active function so that the user can easily set the dual SIM active function. Herein, the dual SIM active function is a function provided by a portable terminal capable of having two SIM cards, and is defined as a function including a call waiting function and an incoming call forwarding function.

[0059] The call waiting function is a function of holding a call when a phone number assigned to any one of the two SIM cards is busy between the two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal. The call forwarding function is a function of forwarding a call incoming to any one of the two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal to a phone number assigned to the other SIM card to make the call possible, for example, when the other SIM card is busy performing a call or when the SIM card to which an incoming call is directed is in an out of service area, as explained above.

[0060] When a command for setting the dual SIM active function is input into the portable terminal, subscriber information stored in two SIM cards currently inserted into the portable terminal is read in step 403. More specifically, when the command for setting the dual SIM active function is input from the user, the portable terminal can automatically set the dual SIM active function by reading the subscriber information stored in the two SIM cards inserted to the portable terminal. In the conventional method, the user has to repeat many processes to set the call waiting function and the call forwarding function.

[0061] For example, the user has to individually input the call waiting function to each SIM card placed in the portable terminal by accessing a menu for managing the call waiting function and the call forwarding function. In addition, in order to set the call forwarding function, the user has to directly input and save a destination number to which a call is forwarded, by accessing a menu for one of the two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal. Further, the user has to directly input the call forwarding function to the other SIM card by repeating the aforementioned process. Furthermore, the aforementioned complex setting causes many inconveniences to a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the portable terminal even if the user uses the portable function supporting the call waiting function and the call forwarding function.

[0062] However, the portable terminal of an exemplary embodiment displays a message regarding whether to set the dual SIM active function so that the user can easily set the dual SIM active function, and when the user inputs a command for setting the dual SIM active function, the portable terminal automatically sets the dual SIM active function by reading subscriber information stored in the two SIM cards inserted into the portable terminal, thereby improving user convenience.

[0063] Upon receiving the subscriber information stored in the two SIM cards, the portable terminal automatically sets the dual SIM active function in step 404. That is, when a setting of the dual SIM active function is input from the user, the portable terminal can automatically set the call waiting function and the call forwarding function for both SIM cards. More specifically, upon receiving the setting of the dual SIM active function, the portable terminal automatically sets the call waiting function and the call forwarding function by reading the subscriber information included in the two SIM cards currently placed in the portable terminal.

[0064] Upon automatically setting the dual SIM active function, the portable terminal saves the set dual SIM active function in step 405. I.e., data indicating the dual SIM active function is stored in a terminal's storage unit 704 (FIG 7). This data comprises an indication that the function is set and the subscriber information included in the two SIM cards currently placed in the portable terminal.

[0065] In the conventional method, the call waiting function and the call forwarding function have to be manually set, and when the user replaces the current SIM card with another SIM card associated with another phone number, the user has to set the call waiting function and the call forwarding function again after the replacement.

[0066] However, by saving the dual SIM active function which is once input to each SIM card, the portable terminal of an exemplary embodiment can set the dual SIM active function immediately by reading the saved information from its storage unit even if the current SIM card is replaced with another SIM card, as will be explained below with reference to FIG 5. In the aforementioned step 402, if the command for setting the dual SIM active function is not input by the user to the portable terminal, the process of setting the dual SIM active function stops immediately.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a dynamic call diverting function when a SIM card is replaced according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5, after such a replacement, by checking its storage unit 704 (FIG 7), the portable terminal determines whether the dual SIM active function is set between replaced SIM cards in step 501. Herein, the dynamic call diverting function is defined as a function of always maintaining a dual SIM active state even if any SIM is replaced and a replacement SIM card is inserted in the dual SIM phone. That is, the dynamic call diverting function is a function of always maintaining a call waiting state even if a SIM is replaced and of forwarding a call between mutual SIMs currently inserted in the terminal so that when a call is made to one SIM in a dual SIM phone, a call incoming to another SIM is not missed.

[0068] That is, in the conventional method, the call waiting function and the call forwarding function have to be manually set, and when the user replaces the current SIM card with another SIM card, the user has to set the call waiting function and the call forwarding function again after the replacement.

[0069] However, by saving the dual SIM active function which is once input to each SIM card, as in the exemplary embodiment, the portable terminal of the exemplary embodiment can set the dual SIM active function immediately by reading the saved information even if the current SIM card is replaced with another SIM card.

[0070] After a SIM card has been replaced, the terminal checks whether the dual SIM active function is set for the remaining SIM card and the replacement SIM card by checking the data stored in its storage unit. The terminal can do so by checking whether the dual SIM active function is set anyway and if so, whether this function is set for the two SIM cards now inserted in the terminal by reading the subscriber information from the SIM cards themselves and checking this data against stored data in its storage unit. If it is determined that the dual SIM active function is not set between the replaced SIM cards in the portable terminal, the portable terminal displays a message regarding whether to set the dual SIM active function in step 502. More specifically, the portable terminal displays a message regarding whether to set the dual SIM active function so that the user can easily set the dual SIM active function for the remaining SIM card and the replacement SIM card.

[0071] When a command for setting the dual SIM active function is input from the user to the portable terminal, the portable terminal reads subscriber information stored in at least one SIM card in step 503. More specifically, when the command for setting the dual SIM active function is input from the user, the portable terminal can automatically set the dual SIM active function by reading the subscriber information stored in the two SIM cards inserted to the portable terminal.

[0072] In the conventional method, the user has to repeat many processes to set the call waiting function and the call forwarding function. For example, the user has to individually input the call waiting function to each SIM card placed in the portable terminal by accessing a menu for managing the call waiting function and the call forwarding function. In addition, in order to set the call forwarding function, the user has to directly input and save a destination number to which a call is forwarded, by accessing a menu for one of the two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal.

[0073] Further, the user has to directly input the call forwarding function to the other SIM card by repeating the aforementioned process. Furthermore, the aforementioned complex setting causes many inconveniences to a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the portable terminal even if the user uses the portable function supporting the call waiting function and the call forwarding function.

[0074] However, the portable terminal of an exemplary embodiment displays a message regarding whether to set the dual SIM active function so that the user can easily set the dual SIM active function, and when the user inputs a command for setting the dual SIM active function, the portable terminal automatically sets the dual SIM active function by reading subscriber information stored in the two SIM cards inserted to the portable terminal, thereby improving user convenience.

[0075] Upon reading the subscriber information stored in the SIM card newly inserted to the portable terminal, the portable terminal sets the dual SIM active function between the replaced SIM cards in step 504. That is, when a setting of the dual SIM active function is input from the user, the portable terminal can automatically set the call waiting function and the call forwarding function. More specifically, upon receiving the setting of the dual SIM active function, the portable terminal automatically sets the call waiting function and the call forwarding function by reading the subscriber information included in the two SIM cards currently placed in the portable terminal.

[0076] Upon automatically setting the dual SIM active function between the replaced SIM cards, the portable terminal saves the set dual SIM active function in step 505. I.e., data indicating the dual SIM active function is stored in a terminal's storage unit 704 (FIG 7). This data comprises an indication that the function is set and the subscriber information included in the two SIM cards currently placed in the portable terminal.

[0077] Meanwhile, in the conventional method, the call waiting function and the call forwarding function have to be manually set, and when the user replaces the current SIM card with another SIM card, the user has to set the call waiting function and the call forwarding function again after the replacement. However, by saving the dual SIM active function in the terminal's storage unit 704 (FIG 7), which is once input to each SIM card, the portable terminal of an exemplary embodiment can set the dual SIM active function immediately by reading the saved information even if the current SIM card is replaced with another SIM card.

[0078] In the aforementioned step 501, if the portable terminal determines that the dual SIM active function is set between the replaced SIM cards, the dual SIM active function between the replaced SIM cards continues without having to save the function. In addition, in the aforementioned step 502, if the command for setting the dual SIM active function is not input by the user to the portable terminal, the process of setting the dual SIM active function stops immediately.

[0079] FIGs. 6A to 6C illustrate an example of avoiding an infinite loop function according to an exemplary embodiment. First, the avoiding infinite loop function is defined as a function of preventing a dual SIM phone from missing a call due to an infinite loop. More specifically, the avoiding infinite loop function displays an error message in a case where the incoming call forwarding function is manually selected in an overlapping manner, i.e., in a manner such that each one of both SIM cards continue to forward an incoming call to the other SIM card because the set forwarding conditions instruct the terminal to do so. Examples will be explained now.

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, when the user selects the call forwarding function to manually set the call forwarding function, a detailed menu of the call waiting function is displayed on a display unit of the portable terminal. The detailed menu may be a menu showing options for setting the call forwarding function to "always", "during a pending call", where there is "no response", when the SIM card is "out of the service area", etc. Herein, if the call forwarding function for forwarding a call to the mutual SIMs is selected in an overlapping manner such that in both SIMs the call forwarding function is set to "always" and to "during a call", then the portable terminal may miss the call due to an infinite loop.

[0081] For example, it is assumed that the user manually sets the call forwarding function in the SIM 1 to "always" as well as to "during call". Moreover, the user has set the call forwarding function of SIM 2 to "always" and "during call". Then, the call forwarding function of SIM 1 is automatically set to a phone number assigned to the SIM 2 "always" when an incoming call is requested to a phone number assigned to the SIM 1 when SIM 2 is busy. Thereafter, when the incoming call is requested to the phone number assigned to the SIM 1 in the portable terminal while the phone number assigned to the SIM 2 is busy, the portable terminal confirms the call forwarding function currently set in the SIM 1. That is, in the aforementioned example, the portable terminal confirms whether the call forwarding function of the SIM 1 is set such that the call forwarding function is "always" set to the phone number assigned to the SIM 2 when SIM 2 is busy.

[0082] Thereafter, the portable terminal forwards the call, which is requested for the phone number assigned to the SIM 1, to the phone number of the SIM 2. However, since a call is currently made to the SIM 2 to which the call is forwarded from the SIM 1, and the forwarding function of SIM 2 is also set to "during call", the call is forwarded by SIM 2 again to the SIM 1. However, SIM 1 is now also busy and will, because its forwarding function is also set to "during call", forward the call to SIM 2 again, which results in an infinite loop.

[0083] However, in an exemplary embodiment, when the user manually inputs the call forwarding function, if the user selects an option for "always" setting the call forwarding function as well as an option for setting the call forwarding function "during a call" for both SIM cards at the same time, the portable terminal displays an error message and thus can prevent the user from a situation of the aforementioned infinite loop. In FIG. 6C, as an example of an infinite loop avoidance function according to an exemplary embodiment, when the user manually inputs the call forwarding function, if the user selects the option for "always" setting the call forwarding function as well as the option for setting the call forwarding function "during a call" for both SIM cards, an error message is immediately displayed on a display unit of the portable terminal. Therefore, since the dual SIM active function of an exemplary embodiment includes the infinite loop avoidance function, there is an advantage in that user convenience is improved.

[0084] The same is true when a user sets the forwarding function for both SIMs to "out of service area" and to "during call". I.e., in this example, when SIM 1 is out of its service area and SIM 2 is used for a call, both SIMs will be in a state of continuously forwarding to one another when an incoming call is tried to be set up with SIM 1, resulting in an infinite loop. Here, a similar feature as shown in FIG. 6C may be implemented..

[0085] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the portable terminal includes a controller 701, an input unit 702, an output unit 703, a storage unit 704, and a communication module 705.

[0086] The controller 701 provides overall control to the portable terminal and performs all functions attributed to the terminal in the explanation above. For example, the controller 701 confirms a setting of a dual SIM active function, confirms that two SIM cards are placed in the portable terminal, and reads subscriber information included in the two SIM cards. In addition, if at least one of the two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal is replaced with at least one different card, the controller 701 determines whether the dual SIM active function is set between the replaced two or less cards.

[0087] In addition, if it is determined the dual SIM active function is set between the replaced two or less cards, the controller 701 reads the saved dual SIM active function. In addition, the controller 701 confirms the two SIM cards placed in the portable terminal, reads subscriber information included in the two SIM cards, and confirms the setting of the dual SIM active function.

[0088] The input unit 702 provides the controller 701 with input data generated by a user's selection. For example, the input unit 702 receives the user's selection on any area or on a specific area included in a message displayed on the input unit 702. As indicated above, the input unit 702 may comprise a touch screen and one or more physical keys of which some may be arranged in a (QWERTY) key board arrangement.

[0089] The output unit 703 displays terminal's status information, a menu screen, and story information under the control of the controller 701. For example, the output unit 703 displays a message regarding whether to set the dual SIM active function, and displays whether to set a call waiting function and a call forwarding function in each SIM placed in the portable terminal. In addition, the output unit 703 displays a message regarding whether to set the dual SIM active function.

[0090] A touch sensitive display, called a touch screen, may be used as input unit 702 and the output unit 703. In this situation, a touch input may be performed via the touch sensitive display.

[0091] The storage unit 704 may include a program storage unit for storing a program for controlling an operation of the portable terminal related to the above explained functions and a data storage unit for storing data generated while the program is executed. For example, the storage unit 704 stores the determined dual SIM active function and the determined information.

[0092] The communication module 705 processes a signal which is transmitted and received through an antenna for voice and data communication.

[0093] In the aforementioned structure, the controller 701 can perform overall functions of the portable terminal. However, these functions are separately configured and illustrated in the exemplary embodiment to describe the respective functions separately. Therefore, when the product is implemented in practice, all functions of the portable terminal may be processed by the controller 701 or only some of the functions of the portable terminals may be processed by the controller 701.

[0094] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0095] Any such software may be stored in a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium stores one or more programs (software modules), the one or more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more processors in an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the present invention.

[0096] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, USB stick, magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention.

[0097] Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing an apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a machine-readable storage storing such a program. Still further, such programs may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

[0098] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

performing, at an electronic device including a first subscriber identity module (SIM) and a second SIM, a first call directed to a first phone number corresponding to the first SIM; and

receiving, at the electronic device, a second call directed to a second phone number corresponding to the second SIM before the performing of the first call ends, the second call to be forwarded to the first phone number.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first call is performed using the first phone number.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second call is received based at least in part on a determination that the first phone number is busy.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving is performed based at least in part on a determination that a call forwarding function is set.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving comprises:

performing the second call using the first phone number in response to a user input to accept the second call.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the receiving comprises:

holding the first call based at least in part on the performing of the second call.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displaying a setting menu to set a call forwarding function for the first phone number or the second phone number.

8. An apparatus comprising:

a first subscriber identity module (SIM) corresponding to a first phone number;

a second SIM corresponding to a second phone number; and

a controller configured to:

perform a first call directed to the first phone number; and

receive a second call directed to the second phone number before the performing of the first call ends, the second call to be forwarded to the first phone number.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second call is to be received based at least in part on a determination that the first phone number is busy.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to:

perform the second call using the first phone number.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to:

perform the second call in response to a user input.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to:

hold the performing of the first call at least temporarily in response to the second call being performed.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to:

set the first phone number as a forwarding phone number for the second phone number, or the second phone number as the forwarding phone number for the first phone number.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to:

set a third phone number corresponding to a third SIM as a forwarding phone number for a corresponding SIM of the first SIM and the second SIM.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to:

set the third phone number as the forwarding phone number for the corresponding SIM based on a determination that the corresponding SIM has been replaced with the third SIM.

16. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to:

present, via a display operatively coupled with the controller, a menu to set a call forwarding function to mutually forward a first incoming call from the first phone number to the second phone number, or a second incoming call from the second phone number to the first phone number.

17. An apparatus comprising:

a first SIM corresponding to a first phone number;

a second SIM corresponding to a second phone number; and

a controller configured to:

perform a first call directed to a corresponding phone number of the first phone number and the second phone number; and

receive, using the corresponding phone number, a second call directed to another phone number of the first phone number and the second phone number based at least in part on a determination that the corresponding phone number is busy.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first call is to be performed using the corresponding phone number.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to:

present, via a display, a menu to set a call forwarding function to mutually forward a first incoming call from the first phone number to the second phone number, or a second incoming call from the second phone number to the first phone number.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to:

set the first phone number as a forwarding phone number for the second phone number, or the second phone number as the forwarding phone number for the first phone number, in response to an input to activate a dual SIMs function.

Drawing